Updated 11 February 2013

Amikacin

Amikacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that shows a remarkable lack of bacterial resistance.

Amikacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that shows a remarkable lack of bacterial resistance. Its use should therefore be limited to conditions where other antibiotics of the same class are ineffective.

This antibiotic is however not effective in treating anaerobic infections - infections occurring in the absence of oxygen - and is often combined with other antibiotics to extend its spectrum of efficacy.

It is important to note that this medication is only effective against bacterial infections - if your infection is the result of a viral or fungal infection it will be ineffective.

Amikacin has a very narrow margin of safety, meaning that the toxic concentration of this drug is only slightly higher than its therapeutic dose.

The toxicity of this, and other similar antibiotics, may have severe effects on the ears - this may include permanent hearing loss, balance disturbances and/or ringing in the ears. If used by injection, use should be reserved for severe infections and patients should be monitored closely, while treatment should be for as short a period as possible.

How does amikacin work?

Amikacin is part of the aminoglycoside group of bacteria. It kills bacteria as a result of abnormal protein production in the bacterial cell - it cannot produce any of its proteins correctly - and also as a result of damage to the bacterial cell membrane.

Fast facts

Drug schedule: schedule 4

Available as: amikacin is available as injection

What does it do? this medication has an anti-biotic action

Overdose risk: high

Dependence risk: low

Is amikacin available as a generic? yes

Is amikacin available on prescription only? yes

Special precautions

Consult your doctor before using this drug if:

you have a kidney disease

you have a hearing disorder

you have myasthenia gravis

you have Parkinson's disease

you are taking other medication

Pregnancy: Avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to fall pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Avoid. This medication is passed through breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before use.

Porphyria: This medication is safe to use.

Infants and children: This medication should only be used as prescribed by a paediatrician.

The elderly: Caution is advised in the elderly and a reduced dose may be needed

Possible side effects

Side effect

Frequency

Consult your doctor

Common

Rare

Only if severe

In all cases

nausea and vomiting

x

x

dizziness

X

x

vertigo

x

x

hearing loss

x

x

tremors

x

x

headache

x

x

visual disturbance

x

x

skin rash/ itchy skin

x

x

ringing in the ear

x

x

bloody or cloudy urine

x

x

Interactions

Drug interactions

amphoterecin b

increased risk of kidney toxicity

warfarin

increased risk of bleeding

biphosphonates

increased risk of low calcium levels

vancomycin/ aminoglycoside antibiotics

increased risk of hearing loss and kidney toxicity

oral contraceptives

risk of contraceptive failure

furosemide

increased risk of hearing loss

suxamethonium

risk of respiratory depression

neostigmine/pyridostigmine

reduced effect

Disease interactions

Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have a kidney or liver disease, you have a hearing disorder, you have myasthenia gravis or if you have Parkinson's disease.

Recommended dosage

Adults: 15 mg/kg/day with a maximum dose of 1.5 g/day

Children: Only as prescribed by a paediatrician

This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment and recommendations.

Health24 is South Africa's premier health information website

Get a daily health tip

Subscribe and you could win R 1 000!

* Please enter a valid email address to continue.

Stay in touch

The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.